Hand on heart: How many of your recent online meetings have really inspired you?
Most of the time it remains with rigid video tiles, emojis and the constant reminder of “displeasure”. Spontaneous conversations, small hallway moments or real closeness? Nothing.
With the Immersive Spaces (3D) in Microsoft Teams , the boundaries between online and offline are blurred. Suddenly, we’re no longer just sitting in front of the screen – we’re moving around the room, brainstorming, laughing, and collaborating as if we were all in the same office. The motto: Make virtual collaboration human again with 3D avatars and immersive rooms.
Make meetings human again with Immersive Spaces
And for an equally human article, I’m sharing my personal 3D avatar from Microsoft Teams as an author today! We at INKUBIT also like to use virtual reality to meet “in person” during 100% remote work. More use cases and screenshots can be found in the following article.
The challenge of hybrid teams
Hybrid working has long been the norm. But with the distance, the small moments that promote bonding and creativity also disappear: the chat at the coffee machine, laughing together before a workshop. The result: less motivation, less exchange, less innovation.
Microsoft’s answer: Immersive Spaces in Teams
With the Immersive Spaces, Microsoft brings immersive 3D experiences directly to Teams meetings. Employees appear as avatars and move around in virtual rooms – from fireside evenings to brainstorming spaces. Spatial audio is particularly impressive, making conversations sound like in real space. If you talk virtually away, you only hear the voices nearby – like in the office or at a conference.
The result: interactions become more natural, spontaneous and human – even if there are hundreds of kilometers between the participants.
Practical use cases
Onboarding & training: New employees feel integrated right from the start.
Workshops & Creative Sessions: More dynamism, more spontaneity, better ideas.
Networking & socializing: Whether around a virtual campfire or playing together – social bonds are formed more easily.
Regular meetings: More authentic interaction and less digital fatigue.
Our experience at INKUBIT
We tested Immersive Spaces, for example, in a management meeting – and the effects were noticeable:
-
The changing environment made us more focused and made content seem more conscious.
-
Discussions became more inspiring and creative – we thought more “out of the box” again.
-
Particularly exciting: After the official end, some participants voluntarily stayed longer in the virtual space to exchange ideas in a smaller group or to explore the possibilities in virtual reality.
It is precisely these moments that show how digital proximity creates real connection – something that rarely arises in classic video calls.
Culture and technology combined
A decisive success factor for Immersive Spaces: Microsoft first tests new functions internally (“Customer Zero”). Employees provide feedback on avatar etiquette, user guidance and audio. The result is a product that meets real needs – and creates a more inclusive meeting experience for everyone.
Business Value for Business
Connection beyond distance: Virtual reality in Immersive Spaces 3D creates shared spaces where teams feel truly present – even if there are hundreds of miles between them.
Increased productivity through engagement: The immersive environment promotes focused discussions, spontaneous exchange and a more active participation of all participants – results are achieved faster and better quality.
Enable inclusive collaboration: 3D avatars offer freedom of choice. Introverts can get into conversation in smaller groups, while extroverted participants act in the plenary session – without anyone remaining “invisible” in the meeting.
Increase attractiveness as an employer: Companies that use innovative technologies such as Immersive Spaces 3D are positioning themselves as modern employers. This has a direct impact on attracting and retaining talent.
Microsoft Immersive Spaces 3D for more productive (and fun) meetings
Hybrid work without commitment is worthless. With Immersive Spaces 3D in Microsoft Teams, a simple call becomes a shared experience. 3D avatars and immersive spaces create closeness that motivates, inspires and makes collaboration more human. We think: A great, playful change for everyday meetings that inspires us to work better together!
